…Guyanese student Keiann Simon continues to shine

By Wendella Davidson

OVERSEAS-BASED Guyanese student Keiann Simon continues to blaze the trail in her academic pursuits and is currently undertaking the 2019 National Science Foundation-Research Experiences at the University of Pennsylvania (UPENN).

Keiann, who recently graduated with an A.S. degree in Forensic Science, is one of three STEM students who were each awarded the scholarship. At UPENN, she will conduct undergraduate research on constricted migration of cancer cells before transferring to John Lay College of Criminal Justice in the fall.

She is the daughter of Chief Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan, who also holds the rank colonel and is the highest-ranking female in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Keiann was inspired by her mother to explore her own interest in the judicial system, specifically forensic science; as such, she undertook an internship in the Forensic Lab of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) here, before enrolling at Queensborough in the fall of 2017 where she continued her passion for forensic studies. She plans one day to own a forensic science firm in Guyana.

Keiann has been selected to become a scholar in the American Chemical Society’s Scholar Programme and was one of 120 scholars chosen from across the country. To qualify for such an award, students must have an outstanding academic standing and demonstrate a strong record of American Chemical Society research and professional conference presentations. Last summer, she researched at Vanderbilt University as an REU (Research Experience for Undergraduate) student, it was noted in a Queensborough Community College (CUNY) release.

Bonita Montague, founder and president of the US-headquartered United Bridge Builders Mission (UBBM) which has a branch here and aims to provide support to persons affected by HIV/AIDS, to empower women and youth, and to advocate against domestic violence, spoke glowingly of Keiann.

“Keiann, upon migrating to the U.S., has been volunteering at the organisation and I admire her tenacity which saw her quickly undertaking the role of secretary. She displayed competency at such a young age as she manned the feeding programme that catered for between 500-800 persons every Saturday in the Brooklyn borough. Keiann has demonstrated the kind of application we would want to see in every Guyanese youth and we are very proud of her. She is indeed the right role model to her peers,” Montaque said, while adding that Keiann has, “from the beginning of her studies in the U.S., excelled in all of her classes.”

In an invited comment to the Pepperpot Magazine, an overjoyed mom, Ann McLennan, who was on hand to witness her daughter’s graduation ceremony, said, “ I am very proud of my daughter’s recent achievement of attaining an Associate Degree in Forensic Science from QCC,NY, and now she is one step closer to where she eventually wants to be, and on her way to pursuing the Bachelor’s Degree in September 2019. Keiann has remained focused, steadfast and determined throughout her two years away from home, despite the challenges she faced along the way, and I am truly thankful to God that he has kept her. I will [sic] like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who supported her in whatever way. I understand how difficult it is living away from home, studying and balancing studies with domestic chores and missing home all at the same time, for I spent some time away from home while pursuing my studies overseas. I wish my daughter continued success in achieving all her academic dreams. There is no limit to what you can do.”